Colombians Vote in Presidential Runoff Between Iván Cepeda and Abelardo de la Espriella

1-Minute Brief

The election highlights deep divisions over how to address Colombia's ongoing armed conflict and security challenges.

Key Facts

• Colombians are voting in a presidential runoff between Sen. Iván Cepeda and business owner Abelardo de la Espriella.
• Cepeda supports negotiations with armed groups, while de la Espriella advocates intensified military action.
• The country is experiencing its most violent period since the 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc).
• Cepeda has been described as a 'radical left Marxist' by critics and has a history of legal activism.
• De la Espriella is a conservative outsider and has been endorsed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

What Happened

Colombians are casting ballots in a closely contested presidential runoff between leftist senator Iván Cepeda and conservative outsider Abelardo de la Espriella. The candidates offer sharply different approaches to the country's ongoing armed conflict.

Why It Matters

The outcome will determine Colombia's strategy toward armed groups, with voters choosing between renewed peace talks or a return to military confrontation. The election reflects broader societal divisions over security and reconciliation.

What's Next

Election results are expected after polls close. The new president's approach to armed conflict and security policy will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.